WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
14 October 2008 
 
 (08-4895) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
1 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
MACAO, CHINA 
 
 The following communication, dated 7 October 2008, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Macao, China. 
 
_______________ 
 
I. CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU ..................................................................2  
A. LIVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN .................................................................2  
II. HEALTH SERVICES ..............................................................................................................4  
A. NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ; PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS 
AND MEDICINES (INCLUDING WESTERN MEDICINES AND CHINESE PROPRIETARY 
MEDICINES ); MILK MODIFIED FOR INFANT FEEDING ; CONTROLLED CHEMICALS OF 
1988  UN CONVENTION ; DIAGNOSTIC AND LABORATORY REAGENTS ; PESTICIDES ; 
ESSENTIAL OIL ; THERAPEUTIC PREPARATIONS FOR USE ON THE HAIR ; AND 
CHEMICALS , CHEMICAL FERTILISERS , COLOURING MATTER AND DYES ......................................4  
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES ........................................................................................7  
A. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES , TOBACCOS , FUELS AND VEHICLES , OPTICAL DISC 
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS ................................................................7  
B. OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES .................................................................................................9  
C. ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS .....................................................................11  
IV. BUREAU OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION ............................................13  
A. TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION AND APPARATUS ...................................13  
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE .............................................................................................15  
A. ARMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES .............................................................................15  
ANNEX:   Importation Procedures for Group I................................................................................17  
 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex for Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 2  
 
  I. CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU 
A. 
LIVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN  
Outline of System  
 1. An import licence supported by International Animal Health Certificate/International 
certificate of vaccination or another specific requirement is required for the import of live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles). Furthermore, an in ternational sanitary certificate is required for the 
import of meat, animal products, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, and international phytosanitary certificate for live plants, mushroom spawn and edible plant. 
 
 Special permits will be issued by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto 
para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) for the im port of horses and the health requirements will be 
different according to their origins from different countries.  
 Import licensing, health controls and control of importation of animals, plants and animal 
original products are outlined in the Official Gazette, Law No. 7/2003, Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003, No. 40/2004 and Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006.  
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The import licence for specific products is granted by the IACM and is required for 
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 as mentioned below and a few products in Chapters 4, 16, 21 and 95.
 2  All other 
commodities mentioned below can be imported simply after an import declaration has been completed. 
2.1 List of commodity sections and chapters of  the Nomenclature for the External Trade of 
Macao/Harmonized System: 
 - Live animals, Chapter 1. - Meat and edible offal (fresh, chilled,  frozen or prepared), Chapter 2. 
- Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, Chapter 3. - Dairy products, edible products of animal origin, Chapter 4. 
- Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other  than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, 
chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked, Chapter 5. 
- Live trees and other plants, mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots and the like, Chapter 6. - Edible vegetables, fruits, nuts and certa in roots and tubers, Chapters 7 and 8. 
- Seeds, fruit and spores, of a kind used for sowing, Chapter 12. 
- Prepared edible fat, Chapter 15. 
- Preparations of meat, of fish or of crus taceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, 
Chapter 16. 
- Ice cream and other edible ice, Chapter 21. - Prepared animal fodder, Chapter 23. - Animal for circuses, Chapter 95. 
 
3. Import licence or import declaration applies to  the animals and products mentioned in 2.1 
coming from all countries and territories outside the Macao SAR. 
                                                     
 
2 See Annex "Importation Procedures for Group I".  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 3 
 
 
  4. The import licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to 
protect public health, animal health, animal welf are and prevent the introduction into and spread 
within territory of destru ctive plant diseases and pests. 
5. The import licensing system is a statutory re quirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006. Import of 
species under CITES code is regulated by Decree- Law No. 45/86/M.  Legislation does not leave 
designation of products subject to licensing to ad ministrative discretion. Legislative approval is 
required when any changes are introduced to the existing system. 
Procedures  
 6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Application for import licence should be subm itted in advance of importation (at least three 
working days). However, in a small number of cases, some applications are exceptionally accepted on the working day prior to arrival. Im port declarations are also accepted on the 
working day prior to arrival. 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request 
3. 
 (c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for 
importation should be made. 
 
(d) Both import licence and import declaration ar e administered by the IACM.  However, the 
Macao Economic Services is the sole administ rative organ to issue import licences relating to 
the animals and plants listed in CITES (including their readily recognizable parts and derivatives) and medicines containing or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients. 
 
8. Application of import licence will not be refused if the ordinary criteria
4 are met.  The reasons 
for refusal are always given to the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Chairman of the 
Administration Committee of the IACM. 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions, complying w ith Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003, are eligible 
to apply.   
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 
10. The required information is outlined in a sa mple application form for the import licence5.  
                                                      
3 “Exceptional cases” are defined as those that ar e claimed beforehand either by the exporter or 
importer as of urgent character or in  need by the importer, particularly when dispatched by  air through Macao 
International Airport or via express service. The normal procedure is to produce (documentary) evidence 
supported by reasonable explanation to his/her claim, namely letter(s) by the importer declaring so.  Also, in 
case of events and exhibitions to be held locally, wher e imports into the Macao SAR, on a particular date, of 
certain type of goods either for sale or consumption are proved to be urgent or necessary. 
4 “Ordinary criteria” are th e requisites stipulated by the Forei gn Trade Legislation in force, i.e. 
submitting correct and truthful data/information and supporting documents/attachments for evidence. 
5 A sample of the import licence application form is available for consultation in the Secretariat 
(Market Access Division) (English, Chinese and Portuguese only). G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 4  
 
  11. The required information is summarized in Annex
6 with respect to live specimens. Controls of 
and requirements for import of live animals (mamma ls, birds and reptiles), animal products destined 
for human consumption (meat, meat products, eggs , egg products, milk, milk products, prepared 
edible fat), edible ice, fish, crustaceans, molluscs,  prepared animals fodder, vegetable, live plants, 
mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots, seeds, fruit and spores. 
12. No fee is charged for import licence and import declaration. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required; except for the import permit fee (whenever an 
import permit is needed), the inspection fee for live animal import, and the dog licence fee (for the 
import of dogs) which are requested to be paid in advance.  
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity for import licence is 30 days from th e day of issuance, whereas the validity for 
import declaration is 10 working days following the confirmation of Macao Customs Service. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of import licence. The live animal inspection fee and 
dog licence fee are refundable if the import licence is not used. The import permit fee is non-refundable. 
16. Neither import licence nor import declaration is transferable. 
17. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) For wholesale importation, pre-defined conditi ons regarding origin requirements, facilities 
and equipment under official control should be met. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements
 
 
18. No. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
II. HEALTH SERVICES 
A. NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ; PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND 
MEDICINES (INCLUDING WESTERN MEDICINES AND CH INESE PROPRIETARY MEDICINES ); MILK 
MODIFIED FOR INFANT FEEDING ; CONTROLLED CHEMICALS OF 1988  UN CONVENTION ; 
DIAGNOSTIC AND LABORATORY REAGENTS ; PESTICIDES ; ESSENTIAL OIL ; THERAPEUTIC 
PREPARATIONS FOR USE ON THE HAIR ; AND CHEMICALS , CHEMICAL FERTILISERS , COLOURING 
MATTER AND DYES  
Outline of System  
 
1. The import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and 
medicines is controlled through (i) licensing of im porters and (ii) issuing of import licence. An 
importer of narcotic drugs, psychotr opic substances, pharmaceutical pr oducts and medicines has to be 
licensed with the Health Bureau before applying  for an import licence to import these products for 
each consignment. Import licences are also require d for import of the other items specified above. 
                                                      
6 See Annex "Importation Procedures for Group I".  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 5 
 
 
  Importers of such products have to apply for the im port licences from the Health Bureau to import the 
mentioned products for each consignment. 
 The licensing system is intended for public h ealth reasons and to fulfil the Macao SAR’s 
international obligations.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Import licence issued by the Health Bureau is required for the import of all of the above-
mentioned products, which are specified in the Group B of Table B under Annex II of Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006. 
3. The licensing system applies to the above-mentioned products coming from all 
countries/territories outside the Macao SAR. 
4. The purpose of the import licensing system is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports, 
but for public health reasons and to prevent divers ion of narcotic drugs a nd psychotropic substances 
into illicit markets as well as controlled chemical s into illicit manufacture of such products. 
5. The import licensing system is statutorily provided under the Decree-Law No. 34/99/M, 
No. 58/90/M, Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Re gulation No. 28/2003.  Legislation does not 
leave designation of products subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.  
Procedures
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Application for import licence should be subm itted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  For registered narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medici nes; and other items, the import licence will be issued 
within three working days. 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, th e import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 (c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation is to be made. 
 (d) The Health Bureau is the sole admini strative organ responsible for processing and 
authorisation of application for the import li cences of most of the mentioned medicines and 
products except those medicines covered under CITES. The Macao Economic Services is the competent authority for issuing import licences for those medicines containing ingredients subject to CITES protection, and the Health Bureau is meanwhile involved in offering 
recommendations on authorisation of application for the said import licence. 
 
8. Application for an import licence will not be refu sed if the ordinary criteria are met. Reasons 
for refusal will be given to the applicant in case of unsuccessful application, and the applicant has the 
right to appeal to the Director of the Health Bureau. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 6  
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
9. Narcotic drugs, psychotropic s ubstances, pharmaceutical products  and medicines have to be 
registered with the Health Bureau, before they can  be allowed to be imported for the purpose of local 
sale or distribution. A company is re quired to hold an appropriate fi rm licence issued by the Health 
Bureau before it can apply for an import licence.  Application for the firm licence is open to all 
qualified traders which comply with Article 11 of  Law No. 7/2003. The fee charged for the firm 
licence of pharmaceutical products and medicine s is MOP3,000; and the charge for the annual 
renewal is MOP400.  A licensed firm has to hold an  additional permit issued by the same department 
if it engages in import of narcotic drugs and ps ychotropic substances. The fee charged for the said 
permit is MOP10,000; and MOP1,500 is charged for the annual renewal.  A list of licensed importers 
is available on request.  The information regardi ng the importers is publishe d on the Official Gazette 
when the registration licence is issued to them. 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
10. When applying for a licence to deal with narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines, the importe r must provide detailed information namely 
personal identification, certificate of criminal registration and identification of the proposed licensed 
premises.   
The application of an import licence of the pr oducts mentioned in the above paragraph must 
be supported by the following documents:  
- authentic copies of registration certificate issued by the health authority of the 
manufacturing or exporting country and production licence issued by the 
manufacturing country;  
- authorised import certificate issued by th e Health Bureau (for narcotic drugs and 
psychotropic substances only); and 
- the Prior Authorisation Application Form. 
 In addition to that, analytical reports or lite ratures provided by the manufacturer or exporter 
and the Prior Authorisation Application Form have  to be submitted for application of an import 
licence of the other items. 
11. The valid import licence is the only doc ument required upon actual importation.7  
12. No fee is charged for the issue of the import licence. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. The import licence covering all of the mentioned products is valid for 30 days from the day of 
issuance. The validity cannot be ex tended under normal circumstances.  
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import licence. 
                                                      
7 A sample of the import licence application form is available for consultation in the Secretariat 
(Market Access Division) (Chine se and Portuguese only).   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 7 
 
 
  16. Not transferable between importers. 
17. No. 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation. 
19. No foreign exchange control. 
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES 
A. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES , TOBACCOS , FUELS AND VEHICLES , OPTICAL DISC MANUFACTURING 
EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS  
Outline of system  
 1. The import licensing system for alcoholic bevera ges, tobaccos, fuels and vehicles is governed 
by Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003. For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, the requirements  set out under Decree-Law No. 51/99/M are also 
applicable. 
 This licensing system is administered by the Macao Economic Services for the aforesaid 
goods that are specified in Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief Executive Decision 
No. 368/2006.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. This licensing system covers all goods listed in  Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision No. 368/2006. 
3. This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of goods. 
4. This licensing system is not to be construed as a means to impose restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports. 
 Rather, its purposes are: 
 
• To administer the levying of consumption tax for alcoholic beverages, tobaccos and 
fuels; 
• To administer the levying of motor vehicle tax; 
• To enforce control over the flow of optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw 
materials so as to preven t such types of products from being unduly utilised for 
copyright infringing activities. 
 
5. Licensing for the above-mentioned goods is a statutory requirement maintained under Law 
No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003. Legislation does not leave the designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion. Legislative a pproval is required before 
any changes could be made to the existing system. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 8  
 
  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Licences must be applied for at least thr ee working days in advance of importation. 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licences might be processed immediately on 
request. 
 (c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licences and/or 
importation may be submitted. 
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue licences for the 
aforesaid goods. Nevertheless, registration with and subsequent approval by the Civic and 
Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) in regard 
to the type or the model of vehicles to be im ported must be obtained before licences could be 
issued. 
 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met. In circumstances where licence 
application is not accepted, the relevant reasons will be elaborated to the applicant who has the right 
to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) Importers who comply with Article 11 of La w no.7/2003 are eligible to apply for licences.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for licence application
 
 10. For each licence, a single application form needs to be filled and handed in to the Macao 
Economic Services.
8  
 For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, complete information including 
the purpose of such an import, the use and final destination of the goods to be imported and the 
personal details of the importer must be provided in  the application. If the goods to be imported are 
for local manufacturing purposes, the user of such  imported goods must also be the manufacturer. 
 
11. Only valid import licences have to be presented upon actual importation.  
12. No administrative fee is charged for the issuance of import licences. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of Licensing  
 
14. The validity of a licence expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
                                                      
8 A sample of the import licence application form is available for consultation in the Secretariat 
(Market Access Division) (Chine se and Portuguese only).   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 9 
 
 
  16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
17. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. For vehicles, prior registration with and subseque nt approval by IACM in regard to the type 
or the model of vehicles is required.  
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
B. OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of system  
 
1. An import licence is required for the import of  ozone-depleting substances. Import controls 
are governed by Decree-Law No. 62/95/M and are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services in accordance with Chie f Executive Decision No. 343/2007. 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
2. This licensing system covers all goods specified in the Annexes of the referred legislation. 
3. This licensing system applies to the goods or  products in the a bove-mentioned Annexes 
originating in or coming from contracting parti es to the Montreal Protocol. Importation of ozone-
depleting substances from non-parties to the M ontreal Protocol is strictly prohibited. 
4. As a contracting party, the Macao SAR authoriti es are required to abide by the obligations set 
out in the Montreal Protocol. For this reason, th e quantitative limits agreed in the Protocol are 
imposed on the import of such substances. 
5. Licensing for ozone-depleting substances is a st atutory requirement maintained under Decree-
Law No. 62/95/M.  Legislation does not leave the desi gnation of products to be subject to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required before any changes could be made to the 
existing system.  
Procedures  
6. Import of ozone-depleting substances is subject to  quantitative restrictions in the form of an 
overall limit monitored by the Environment Council. With regards to quota allocation to individual 
importers, 60% of which is  based on their past performance and the remaining 40% allocated equally 
among importers who have s ubmitted explicit requisitions. 
I. Information concerning the annual quotas and their allocation is gazetted as Chief Executive 
Decision No. 343/2007 in Macao SAR Offici al Bulletin dated 31 December 2007.  
 II The size of the quota is determined in acco rdance with the provisions in the Montreal 
Protocol.  
 
III. To ensure that licences issued are actually used for imports, the Macao Economic Services is 
confirmed and apprised by the Customs Service of the actual quantities imported.    G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 10  
 
   
IV. The submission of applications fo r licences may be made at any time. 
 V. All applications are processed within 6 wo rking days from the day all necessary documents 
are received. 
 
VI. Not applicable.  VII. Two authorities, namely the Environment Council and the Macao Economic Services, are involved in the processing of licence applications. Application for licences should first be submitted 
to the Environment Council for opinions. Then the app lication, with the attached opinions if any, is 
forwarded to the Macao Economic Services for appr oval. Licences are issued by the Macao Economic 
Services.  VIII. Not applicable. 
 
IX. Not applicable.  X. Not applicable.  XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable. 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met, subject to the availability of 
quota allocated to the applicant.  In circumstan ces where licence application is not accepted, the 
relevant reasons will be elaborated to the app licant who has the right to appeal to the Macao 
Economic Services. 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
9. (a) Importers who comply with Article 11 of La w no.7/2003 are eligible to apply for licences.  
(b) Not applicable. 
Documentational and other requirements for licence application  
10. Application forms for licences should first be submitted to the Environment Council for 
opinions.  Then the application, with the attach ed opinions, is forwarded to the Macao Economic 
Services for approval.9   
11. Only valid import licences have to be presented upon actual importation.  
12. No administrative fee is charged for issuance of import licences. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
                                                      
9 A sample of the import licence application form is available for consultation in the Secretariat 
(Market Access Division) (Chine se and Portuguese only). 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 11 
 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity of a licence expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
17. (a) No 
(b) Not applicable 
Other procedural requirements  
18. There are no other procedural requirements. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
C. ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS  
Outline of system  
 
1. An import licence is required for the import of specimens of endangered species of animals 
and plants (whether alive or dead), their body part s and derivatives.  Import controls are governed by 
Decree-Law No. 45/86/M and are administered by the Macao Economic Services. 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. This licensing system covers all specimens lis ted in Annexes I, II and III of the Convention 
on International Trade in Endangered Species of W ild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  For imports of 
animals and plants specified in the CITES Annex es I, II and III, CITES certificates or relevant export 
licences issued by exporting countries or territories ar e required.  On the other hand, for specimens of 
species listed in CITES Annex III imported directly  from countries other than the listing countries, 
certificates of origin issued by exporting c ountries or territories could be accepted in lieu. 
3. This licensing system applies, regardle ss of the sources of the specimens.  
4. This licensing system is not construed to be a means to place restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports, but to ensure that  international trade in specimens of wild animals 
and plants does not threaten their survival. 
5. Licensing of the above-mentioned specimens is a statutory requirement maintained under 
Decree-Law No. 45/86/M. Legislation does not leave th eir designation to be subject to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required before any changes could be made to the 
existing system. 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Licences must be applied for at least five working days in advance of importation. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 12  
 
  (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licences might be processed immediately on 
request. 
 (c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licences and/or 
importation may be submitted. 
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative or gan to issue licences to the 
aforesaid specimens. 
 8. No application will be refused if the ordinary cr iteria are met.  In circ umstances where licence 
application is not accepted, the relevant reasons will be elaborated to the applicant who has the right 
to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) Importers who comply with Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible to apply for licences.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for licence application  
 
10. For each licence, a single application form needs to be filled and handed in to the Macao 
Economic Services together with the presentation of th e CITES certificate/certificate of origin issued 
by the exporting countries or territories.10   
11. CITES certificates and relevant import licences i ssued by the Macao Economic Services have 
to be presented upon actual importation. 
12. A handling fee of 0.5% on the c.i.f. value in patacas is levied, regardless of the country of 
origin. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. A licence expires in 30 days from its day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
17. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 18. For the import of medicines comprising ingredients of specimens covered in CITES, opinions 
of the Health Services are required to be submitte d with the licence application form.  For the import 
                                                     
 
10 A sample of the import licence application form is available for consultation in the Secretariat 
(Market Access Division) (Chine se and Portuguese only).  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 13 
 
 
  of specimens listed in the CITES annexes, qua rantine approval by IACM is required upon 
importation. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
IV. BUREAU OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION 
A. TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION AND APPARATUS  
Outline of system  
 
1. Import controls are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services. However, the 
Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation is also  involved in the system of import controls on 
telecommunication and radioc ommunication equipment. 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Import licences are required for telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment. 
These include: 
(a) Apparatus for the transmission or reception of voi ce, images or other data, including those for 
communication in a wireless local or wide ar ea network, except cellular telephones, lines 
telephone sets with/without cordless handsets, telephonic switching apparatus and those with 
exemption of station licence or type approval according to the applicable radiocommunication 
legislation. 
(b) Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or  television, whether or not incorporating 
reception apparatus or sound record ing or reproducing apparatus. 
(c) Radar equipment, radio navigation equi pment and remote control equipment. 
(d) The spare parts exclusively or partially for the equipment listed above. 
3. The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any countries or 
territories. 
4. The import licensing system on telecommunicati on and radiocommunicati on equipment is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports . Instead, its aim is to ensure the products imported 
meet certain standards.  
5. The import licensing system is a statutory re quirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006. Legislation does 
not leave designation of products, which are subject to licensing to administrative discretion. Legislative approval is required when any ch anges are introduced to  the existing system. 
Procedures
 
6. Not Applicable. 
7. (a) Licence application should be submitted before  importing the equipment, taking account of 
the processing time required by the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation, which is normally within three working days. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 14  
 
  (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
(d) The Bureau of Telecommunications Regulati on is the sole administrative organ to issue 
licences for the telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment. 
8. Import licence application may be refused in case the equipment does not comply with the 
Technical Standards applicable in the Macao SAR. 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions complying with  Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible 
to apply for licences except under special circumstan ces where licensing facilities are denied owing to 
the non-compliance of certain requirement.   
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
10. Catalogues/technical specifications for the pr oducts under application are to be submitted 
with the application for technical classification purpose.11 
11. Only the import licence is needed upon actual importation. 
12. No licensing fee is charged. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. An import licence covering telecommunication a nd radiocommunication equipment is valid 
for 30 days from the day of its issuance. The valid ity cannot be extended under normal circumstances. 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import licence. 
16. Not transferable. 
17. No. 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are required. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
                                                      
11 A sample of the import licence application form is available for consultation in the Secretariat 
(Market Access Division) (Chine se and Portuguese only).  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 15 
 
 
  V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE  
A. ARMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES  
Outline of System  
 
1. Import controls on arms and ammunition, and explosives are primarily exercised by the 
Macao Security Police (CPSP – Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública). 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Import licences are required for certain arms and ammunition, and explosives: 
(a) Licence for defence gun: cartridges of calibre .22 to .32 
(b) Licence for competition gun: 
Arms Calibre 
 
 
Pistol   .177 
  .22S  (Short) 
  .22LR (Long Rifle)   .32   .38   .45 
 Revolvers 
   .22LR (Long Rifle) 
  .32 
  .38 
  .45 
Shotgun   .12 
Precision   .177  Guns 
Automatic or Semi-automatic   .22LR (Long Rifle) 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any countries. 
4. The import licensing is not intended to restrict th e quantity or value of imports, but to monitor 
the inflow of the aforesaid goods. 
5. The import licensing system is statutorily defined in the Decree-Law No. 77/99/M of 
8th November 1999 “Arms and Ammunition Rules”,  Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003. Any changes in existing system require legislative approval. 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Applications for import licences should be su bmitted one month in advance. In the case of 
inadvertence, licence can be obtained within a shorter time limit. 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request. (c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for import 
licence may be made. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 16  
 
  (d) The Macao Security Police is  the sole administrative organ to issue licences for the aforesaid 
goods. 
8. Import licence applications may be refused if th e ordinary criteria are not met. The applicants 
have the right of appeal to Macao Security Po lice in the event of refusal within 30 days. 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions which comp ly with Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are 
eligible to apply for licences. 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
10. Copy of the Identity Card with application form.12  
11. The import licence.  
12. There are no licensing fees or administrati ve charges for the issue of licences. 
13. There are no requirements for deposit or adva nce payment associated with the issue of 
licences. 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of a licence is 12 months. It cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence or a portion of a licence. 
16. Licences are not transferable. 
17. No. 
Other procedural requirements  
18. There are no other administrative procedures. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
                                                      
12 A sample of the form is available for consultation in the Secretariat (Market Access Division) 
(Portuguese only).  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
 Page 17 
 
 
  ANNEX 
Importation Procedures for Group I 
 
 
1. Import Notification  
 
 Regarding the importation of live animals a nd live plants, edible vegetable, Macao SAR 
requires adequate advance notification of origin, the proposed date of entry, the species’ origin, 
quantity, means of transport, name of the frontie r post to be used and treatment of the plants. 
 
 With respect to importation of a consignment of  meat or products of animal origin destined 
for human consumption, Macao SAR requires adequate  advance notification of the proposed date of 
entry, information on the origin, nature, treatment , quantity and packaging of the meat or products, 
name of the frontier post to be used. For wholesale importation, products are required to be consigned 
to establishments approved by the Civic and Munici pal Affairs Bureau (IACM – Instituto para os 
Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais ) and under its supervision. 
 
The above mentioned border entry places are: 
 
Aerial entry  - International Airport; Maritime entry - Ka Ho Containe r Terminal; Inner Harbour Docks; 
Terrestrial entry - Border Gate;  
 -  COTAI Frontier Post. 
 
 The frontier Customs staff are under the jurisd iction of the Macao Customs Service (Serviços 
de Alfândega) and they are responsible for the enforcement of various Macao SAR legislation 
affecting importation a nd exportation of goods. 
 1.1 Import Declaration/Import License.  1.2 Sanitary  or phytosanitary documentation (to be presen ted with the applications upon arrival of 
animals , plants  or goods). 
 
2. Documentational Control
 
 2.1 Live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles): 
 - International Animal Health Certificate (provided by the veterinary Authority of the 
  exporting country); 
 - Anti-Rabies Vaccination Certificate (dogs and cats) and Vaccination Certificate  
  (covering other infectious diseases); 
- Dogs and cats under four months ol d are not allowed to be imported; 
- Airway Bill (if applicable); -  Import License. 
2.2 Meat, fish and by-products for human consumption: 
- International Sanitary Certificate (not a pplicable for ice cream with cocoa, and pet-
 foods); 
-   With regard to labelling, Decree Law no. 50/92/M and Chief Executive Decision no. 
 223/2005 apply to all products; G/LIC/N/3/MAC/11 
Page 18  
 
  - Airway Bill (if applicable); 
- Import License.   
 2.3 Edible vegetables,  fruit and plants (for human consumption): 
- Phytosanitary Certificate is required for im port of plants.  (The only exception is the 
exemption for edible plants imported from Mainland China.) 
 - Import Declaration.  2.4 Vegetables and plants (any part of  plants) for planting or propagation: 
 - Phytosanitary Certificate is required for import of plants; 
 - Certificate of origin (if origin has not been stated in Phytosanitary Certificate); 
 - Import Declaration. 
 
3. Sanitary /Phytosanitary Inspection
 
 
3.1 The sanitary or phytosanitary certification will have to be issued or certified by the official 
department on country of origin.  3.2 Sanitary or phytosanitary inspection will al ways apply to the following merchandise: live 
animals and food products of animal origin, edible ic e, animal fodder, fruit, mushroom spawn, plants 
and vegetables; physical a nd laboratory examinations w ill apply whenever necessary. 
 
3.3 Products will only be released after completi on of proper document control and sanitary or 
phytosanitary inspection.  3.4 If upon sanitary inspection any products or an imals are considered to cause risk to public 
health, or upon phytosanitary inspection any plants  infected by or infested with a plant pest , they will 
not be released for commercial purpose  and the importers will be immediately notified of the 
decision. Adequate sanitary measures regarding the retaining, quarantine, destruction or re-
exportation of the lot will be applied. When the sanitary/phytosanitary  documentation is not correct 
the importer can present the correct documents if not , the products will be re-exported or destroyed. 
 
3.5 In case of epidemics or any other sanitary probl em in the country of origin, additional sanitary 
measures like complementary certification or interdiction of importation may take place. 
 
3.6 Any encumbrance resulting from retaining, qu arantine, re-exporting or destruction of the 
products (animals or plants) will be under  the responsibility of the import agent. 
 
__________